Who are you? Husband, Father, Grandfather, Physical Therapist and amateur juggler.
Are you content with your life? Yes
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in life? Getting the final rose from Janet Smith
What businesses, groups, boards, committees, charters, non-profits, foundations, political or non political appointments or elected positions have you been/or are you a part of?
Owner of Payson Physical Therapy for the past 26 years. Town of Payson Parks and Rec Board. Elder Board of my church. Board member of Payson Christian Clinic.
Why are you running for Town Council? Mostly out of a sense of civic duty, and to be an example for my kids and grandkids.
Have you run for or held this or another office before? No
What is it you would like a voter to know about you? That I am a passionate learner and seeker of common ground.
What makes you the best candidate?
I believe my experiences in this town as a health care provider, small business owner, educator, coach and board member has given me a unique and varied opportunity to interact with, and get to know people from every demographic represented in this town.
What is your #1 goal while in office?
To be a part of moving Payson forward and bringing the best ideas and plans to fruition from all sources.
What would you do differently than current officials?
I would not be disparaging past councils, leaders and volunteers on committees for their work and service to this town. I would focus my energy on moving forward, not spending precious resources on past accomplishments and efforts of previous councils.
Do you see the benefit in the Town being a part of the SLE? Short answer, yes. The SLE provides the town ownership and entitlement to tax revenue from whatever entity is on the property, without any financial contribution or liability. As I understand the complex arrangement, if the town pulls out of the SLE, all tax revenue would go to the state instead of the town. While the MHA controls the list of who the town can pick from to be on the board, it seems to me the town can do a good job of vetting the list to assure those who serve on the SLE understand they are representing the town, and serving the town’s best interests in their role on the SLE. I believe there are many individuals who would be satisfactory to both the MHA and the Town of Payson to serve on the SLE board.
Payson sells water to the county clubs at a loss to the town for 50
years, what would you do about it?
I was not aware the town is selling the water for less then it costs to deliver it. Certainly, if we are operating at a loss every year, I would make every effort to restructure contracts and assure Payson is protected from rate hikes or other infringement on our supply, and to make sure we are profiting from any water we are selling.
Do you want Payson to grow? Yes
If so, how and where do you think growing would most benefit
Payson?
Growth in all demographics is critical, and high speed, redundant internet is crucial to attract the work force of the future.
If you could see the future, what would Payson be like in 5 years?
My hope would be a town that has planned well for the future despite a crippling pandemic. A town that has built on successes of the past, including a comfortable water supply, clean air and taking care of the homeless. A town that came together and rallied around projects like a world class trail system (PATS), a linear park (American Gulch) as an anchor for a revitalized Main St. A town that found a way to attract and retain working families through affordable housing and first class internet service.
What is our responsibility for community sustainability in Payson?
For a community that is serious about sustainability, town leadership should provide opportunity
for all individuals to participate in, and influence decisions that affect all of us. Accomplishing this by providing an environment of respect for diverse viewpoints, beliefs and values.
Would you support more regulation or more enforcement?
Not sure these are mutually exclusive. I suspect better enforcement in some areas would decrease the need for further regulation, but some areas might need better regulation.
Would you support partnerships with state and federal agencies, or local town and county collaborations?
Again, not an either/or proposition in my assessment. I would not rule out partnership with any entity if it made sense for our town. So, I would support federal, state, county and town partnerships and collaborations in trying to improve Payson.
Are we doing enough clean energy production, green building, or promoting ecotourism in Payson? No.
Would you support more small businesses or more chain franchises?
Both, if they make sense for Payson.
Would you support better education or more education?
I support better education, and more education. I believe we all need as much education as we can get.
Do you think there should be an ethics committee to govern Town employees and officials and hold them accountable for their actions?
I would certainly entertain the idea if the current ethics policies are not effective, and it can be shown that forming a committee would improve on our current system.
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